Davis, Calif. — The Saint Mary's Gaels (17-15) have flexed their offensive muscles during their recent hot streak, but today in Davis, it was all about the pitching and defense, as SMC mustered just two runs, but behind the brilliant pitching of Mia Nishikawa and their signature steadfast defense, the Gaels opened up their five game week with a victory over the Aggies of UC Davis (11-24). 

Mia Nishikawa was dominant as ever in the circle. The sophomore hailing from Fresno worked her first complete game shutout of the season and fifth of her career. The young standout in the circle worked around traffic in just about every inning, but stranded nine Aggie runners on the basepaths. Nishikawa did a majority of her damage via the strikeout, registering a career-high six in complete game shutout. 

The Gaels scored their lone runs in the second inning. Jenavee Amador reached on an error to open the inning. She was eliminated on a fielder's choice by Lindsay Cabral, but with one out, Victoria Castillo roped a double to left, plating Cabral to put the Gaels on the board. Castillo advanced to third on the throw to the plate, and then came around to score on another double, this time from Mia Zabat. Early on, the Gaels established their lead, and Mia Nishikawa and the defense did the rest to salt away the remaining innings for the victory.

Saint Mary's will be back in action tomorrow on the road taking on Stanford. The game will be played in Stanford's football stadium. First pitch is set for 5 PM. 

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